Royal pythons are the most commonly kept pet snake in the UK, but are frequently housed in enclosures far too small to allow thermoregulation, exercise and behavioural complexity.
Royal python welfare is commonly compromised by enclosures that prevent normal locomotion, thermoregulation and exploratory behaviour. Small vivariums with a single hide and inadequate humidity cause chronic stress that suppresses immune function and feeding motivation. The welfare case for larger, more complex enclosures is well-supported by scientific evidence on snake behaviour.